Three years have passed, but it seems like just yesterday when I met the amazing Elisabetta Fagioli of Montenidoli. In 2008, my daughter and I went to San Gimignano, where she hosted us for a glorious lunch, an equally amazing dinner that night, Sunday morning church the next day and then an off-road expedition of her estate and vineyards. It was a visit to remember! After our trip, the economy went south and her wines haven't been available on the West Coast until now. We will be featuring some of her wines this month and also next month. The doyenne of Tuscany is “back in the house!" If you want to taste a white wine from Tuscany that has presence, you must reach for one of Elisabetta’s wines. They universally have depth and complexity and truly reflect the land and woman behind the curtain.This year one of my colleagues went to NY for the Vino2011 and was able to present to Elisabetta a painting my daughter made for her after our trip. Alex did an oil painting of Elisabetta’s wondrous vernaccia grapes at age 11.I feel so blessed to have met such a life force and talented winemaker. She is one of those people that you know is so exceptional that you are fortunate if you meet just one person like her in your lifetime—truly inspirational. Yes, I am still under her spell.Here is the link to the previous post with pictures: